1 Samuel 16.7
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Yesterday I began thinking of two key words . . . Impress and Exhibit and this verse came to mind.  We often think that church only deals with our spiritual side, but I'm not sure that's the case.  In the context of this verse, we see that Samuel looked at Eliab and thought he was of God.  However, God made it clear that Eliab was not "the guy" and explained to Samuel that people look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

It seems that many believers try to play God's role by looking at the outer and judging the heart.  This verse doesn't ask us to do that . . . and we shouldn't try.  This verse simply states the facts that we [people] gather information from what we see.  God in his infinite wisdom, however, knows the deepest intents, motives and desires our hearts.  So, where does Impress and Exhibit come into play.  I'm glad you asked!

Consider this, as ConnexionChurch launches we need to keep in mind that God works through relationships.  If  what people see attracts them, that's great.  Let's try to do everything we can to give a Great Impression, after all, people look at those things.  Impressing doesn't change peoples hearts, but it does keep them coming back.  We also need to Exhibit.  More than likely people will not see Jesus in His flesh come and worship with us on Launch Sunday.  However, if we are fully devoted to Jesus they will see Him in us.  As the song says, we become His hands and feet.  It is vitally important we show the love, mercy, grace and hope that we know in Jesus.  Its only when people see Christ in us that ConnexionChurch can make a difference.  Seeing Christ deals with our attitudes, motives, putting others first, faith in Christ and the list goes on.

Impression is important . . . it keeps people coming back.  Exhibiting Christ is important . . . it will lead people to salvation.  We need both!

Do you make it a priority to exhibit Christ?  Have you ever been guilty of  judging the heart because of the exterior?  Make it your prayer to Exhibit Christ and let the Holy Spirit do the heart-work.